Detoxification (or detox) is the process of removing toxins from your body. Heavy metals and other chemicals our bodies absorb from our food, water, soil, air and environment can cause hormonal imbalances, immune challenges, neurological issues and other health issues. While the liver, kidneys, colon and skin naturally remove waste products and toxins from our bodies, additional dietary changes and other detox therapy are needed to help remove years’ buildup of toxins.

Why you should detox

The goal of detoxing is not to replace your body’s natural detoxification process, but to help it along. Eating highly processed foods, stress, and inactivity can all hinder your body’s ability to remove toxins, and can allow them to accumulate to potentially harmful levels. Detoxification resets your health and helps your body function more efficiently. Many people report they feel more energized and balanced after detoxing.

The buildup of heavy metals in particular can negatively affect every system in your body. While some “good” metals are essential minerals, high amounts of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can be damaging. They can change the body’s physiology and cause a number of health effects, such as hormone imbalances, infertility, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and impaired functioning of the digestive and immune systems. Other chemicals such as solvents, chlorine, pesticides, PCBs, organophosphates, plastics, parabens and phthalates also commonly enter our bodies causing a high degree of disruption.

At Vitality we offer comprehensive testing to assess your total toxic load. We test you for heavy metals, environmental toxins, glutathione levels and genetic detox pathways to determine what is the best detox treatment approach for each patient. Dr Judy and her team are highly trained on Environmental Medicine. She is a speaker and teaches on this topic.

Detox diets

There are a number of diets that are recommended to help flush toxins from the body. While there is significant variation, most recommend increasing the number of fresh vegetables and antioxidant foods, while decreasing the consumption of processed foods, GMOs, alcohol, and sugars. Our Doctors can prescribe natural detox foods and holistic nutrition plan that is targeted to your body’s needs, or you can try Dr Judy’s week-long naturopathic cleanse on your own.

Other detox methods

Supplements: There are a number of supplements that can be used in combination with a detox diet to make the process more effective. Each patient’s vitamin levels get tested along with genetics to understand the best support for each patient. We commonly prescribe binders, glutathione, herbal support, fiber and antioxidant blends like Detox Plus.
Sauna Therapy: Infra-red sauna therapy is a great treatment to aid the body in releasing toxins. When sweating in an infrared sauna we release 8-10 times the amount of toxins into the sweat when compared to urine levels. At Vitality we offer Infrared Sauna.
Chelation/ Detox Infusions: Chelation is the process of removing heavy metals from the body with a binder that has a specific affinity to a metal. It is recommended for patients who have tested positive for excessive amounts of heavy metals. Chelating agents are administered through an infusion along with other detox supporting nutrients. It can take 10-20 rounds of chelation and up to 1 year to fully remove metals.

Toxins and hormones

Toxins such as heavy metals, phthalates, parabens and solvents can affect the balance of hormones produced by your body, especially estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. Once your body has been cleared of the toxins, you may need hormone therapy to bring your hormones back to healthy levels.

At Vitality Wellness Clinic, our goal is to help you to feel your best. Give us a call at (602) 388-1155 to find out more about how our detox options can help boost your health.